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Lionel Messi âfacing bombshell lawsuitâ for missing Argentina match
TL;DR
Lionel Messi is facing a lawsuit for missing an international match for Argentina last year. The lawsuit, filed by VID, claims fraud and breach of contract related to a $7 million deal with the Argentina Football Association for two friendlies.
Lionel Messi has 198 caps for Argentina (Getty)
Lionel Messi is facing a bombshell lawsuit after missing an international match for Argentina last year, according to reports.
As detailed in American outlet TMZ, Messi and the Argentina Football Association (AFA) are being sued for fraud and breach of contract in South Florida by VID, a promotional company that puts on sports and music events.
The report details that VID signed a $7million (ÂŁ5.3m) deal with the AFA last August for exclusive rights to two international matches last October â Argentinaâs friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
Miami-based company VID claim that Messi was required to play a minimum of 30 minutes in each match, unless he was injured. Yet Messi watched Argentinaâs win against Venezuela from the stands of Miamiâs Hard Rock Stadium, in a suite alongside his family. VID also claim they paid for Messiâs suite.
The day after the Venezuela clash, Messi scored twice in a 4-0 Inter Miami win over Atlanta United in the MLS. Messi, 38, did then play in Argentinaâs 6-0 win against Puerto Rico a few days later.
VID also allege they lost more than $1m after the Puerto Rico clash was moved from 61,500-capacity Soldier Field in Chicago to the 21,550-capacity Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
According to an AFA executive, the move materialised due to President Donald Trumpâs immigration crackdown in Chicago. However, Chicago officials state it was due to low ticket sales.
Nonetheless, VID claim that the AFA insisted they would rectify the situation with games in China this year. However, amid a busy international calendar which includes this summerâs World Cup in the United States, those matches have not materialised.
As such, TMZâs report claims VID want to be reimbursed for all of the money lost.
Messiâs team and the AFA have been approached for comment.
Q&A
What is the lawsuit against Lionel Messi about?
The lawsuit alleges fraud and breach of contract after Messi missed an international match for Argentina, impacting a $7 million deal with a promotional company.
Who filed the lawsuit against Messi and the Argentina Football Association?
The lawsuit was filed by VID, a promotional company that organizes sports and music events.
What were the matches involved in the lawsuit against Messi?
The matches involved were Argentina's friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico, which were scheduled for October last year.
